One of the most significant forms of hate speech that OHPI combats is online racism. The Macquarie Dictionary (Sixth Edition, 2013) defines racism as:

noun1. the belief that human races have distinctive characteristics which determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule or dominate others.

2. a policy or system of government and society based upon such a belief.

3. behaviour or language based on this kind of belief in relation to a person or persons of a particular race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin, either demonstrating an inherent prejudice without specific hostile intent or, alternatively, intended to offend, insult, humiliate, or intimidate.

Our reports, briefings and campaigns have covered online expressions of both supremacist speech (speech claiming the superiority of one race over all others, for example, white supremacy) and racist speech directed against a specific group (for example, antisemitic speech (attacking Jews) and speech denigrating Indigenous Australians).

Australian federal law makes racism unlawful under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act (see our video explaining section 18C). Each Australian state has further laws prohibiting racism. Racism is defined under the legislation to include race, nationality and ethnic origin. In Victoria, religious vilification (for example Anti-Muslim hate) is treated in similar terms to racism (for example Antisemitism).

Below is a list of our publications documenting, reporting and highlighting instances of online racist speech.

REPORTS

OHPI produces detailed reports documenting and analysing online hate. The reports are produced over a number of months addressing a theme in a systematic and in-depth manner. These reports are published by OHPI and made freely available to the public.